DMV Worker Charged With Removing Breathalyzer From Car

A state Department of Motor Vehicles supervisor was arrested today for allegedly removing the ignition-interlock restriction for an individual who was convicted for driving while intoxicated, Gannett’s Haley Viccaro reports.

An interlock restriction requires an individual to breathe into the device, similar to a breathalyzer, to confirm they were not drinking before driving.

DMV supervisor Sherri Freitas, 43, of Ravena, Albany County, was charged with two counts of tampering with public records, two counts of computer trespass, two counts of computer tampering and three counts of official misconduct, according to the state Inspector General’s Office. Freitas was arraigned today in Albany City Court.

“By changing the DMV restriction levels, the defendant not only exceeded her authority as a DMV employee but potentially compromised public safety,” said Acting Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott in a statement.

Freitas allegedly removed the ignition-interlock restriction on two occasions without authority by accessing computer DMV records of an individual she was familiar with, Scott said. She also sent a letter on DMV letterhead to the attorney representing the individual about removing the restriction, Scott said.

DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala said Freitas, who has been a DMV employee for 25 years, will be suspended and not able to access any DMV records. She was a supervisor assigned to the driver improvement unit.

“Those who attempt to alter the driving records of any motorist, for any reason, have violated the law and will be discovered and prosecuted,” Fiala said in the statement.